A disaster preparedness kit on a budget.

A guide for pulling together a disaster preparedness kit on a tight budget. 

1) Reminder: You don’t have to put a disaster preparedness kit together all at once so take a deep breath and do it little by little. 

2) Start by asking your self some basic questions: What will I need to stay warm? What will I need to stay cool? What will I need to store water (tip: you can use empty soda bottles after you wash them with soap and hot water for water containers) and food in? What will I need to see in the dark? What will I need to eat, drink and cook with? What will I need to build a make-shift shelter? What will comfort me and give me a sense of relief (i.e. comfort foods, travel sized lotions that smell good or a favorite book)? You have the idea! 

3) Ask yourself this: What do I already have in my home? More than likely, you already have a few items you can add to your disaster preparedness kit and free stuff is a bonus. Think about clothing, sleeping bags, blankets, flash lights or head lamps, a whistle, a back packing stove, duct tape, tools, a can opener, batteries, a whistle, pet supplies, plastic bags, things you need to eat with, personal care items, shoes, gloves, a hard hat and matches (*take care not to burn candles or cook on an unauthorized stove inside your house! Doing so may lead to a fire). You can add anything else you may need…Be Creative! After you have a list of items already in your home you can calculate how much the remaining items will cost you. 

4) Look in your pantry! Do you have extra canned tuna (packed with water) or cans of soup? Both may help hydrate you in a pinch. How about peanut butter? This is good for sustaining your energy. Do you have any protein bars? These are small, inexpensive and good to eat on the run. Nuts are also good at giving you energy. Anything else that travels well and packs up small would be good to add. 

5) Food-wise don’t forget some comfort food. Chocolate, hard candy, gum or mints can be a good mood elevator and they’re cheap to buy. 

6) Work with friends and family. They often have extras of things they don’t use and you can take them or trade for them. 

7) Use the Web! Two great sites to surf for free, trades or cheap goods: www.craigslist.org and www.freecycle.org 

8) How about shopping at thrift stores, surplus warehouses or any dollar store in your area? Often you can find inexpensive essentials like: back packs, bins, things you need to eat and drink with (no glass), toys for kids or clothing. Look around when you are there and ask yourself the basic questions listed on line #1 above. 

9) What about department or large discount stores (tip: look for sale bins sometimes placed in the very front or back of the store). Membership clubs and warehouse stores are also great and they sell items in bulk (tip: go in together with others on bulk items you may need and split them up for cost savings). Ask your doctor, dentist or eye doctor if they have any free samples you can add like bandages, a tooth brush, some paste or floss, contact solution, a contact case or a glasses case. 

10) Are you planning to stay at a hotel in the near future? Take the personal sized soap or small shampoo, the plastic cup, or any other small sized freebie items left by the staff. 

11) Check the community pages, bulletin boards and garage sales in your area for inexpensive items you can add. 

12) Don’t forget about personal documentation and money: have copies of your driver’s license, social security card and birth certificate in your kit. If possible keep a little bit of money (like $5, $10 or $20 in small bills and some quarters (for the phone booth if your phone is out) on hand. *Keep all personal information and money in a secure location at all times. 

13) "Kids are people too". Kids will need toys, coloring books, and treats, which provide them a sense of normalcy and routine in a disaster. Check with your local fire department because they may have some cool story books, coloring books and calendars for free. Not only are they fun, but they also list great disaster preparedness tips. 

14) Manuals that tell you how to survive in the woods are a great reference. Often they will tell you what you can and cannot eat right in your own yard. Now that’s free! 

Written by Carrie Akerstrom with special thanks to Carol Dunn, Seattle Red Cross, Mary Schoenfeldt, Everett Office of Emergency Management, Cindy Van Wambeck, SAMMI volunteer of the year in Sammamish 2007 and to ReadyCorps staff and volunteers. 

No! I did not compile this list!

·        Backpack/duffel bag: bright color with multiple compartments

·        Canteens/camel back

·        Leather gloves: heavy duty work gloves, all leather insulated

·        Leather gloves: heavy duty work gloves, all leather non-insulated

·        Green safety helmet

·        Green safety vest

·        Extra orange vest

·        Safety goggles

·        Sun glasses

·        Dust mask

·        Hearing protection

·        All leather work boots

·        Heavy duty long pants: jeans or EMT pants work well

·        Belt

·        Long sleeve shirt

·        Extra clothing, especially extra socks

·        Leather or other heavy duty coat

·        Cold weather work overalls

·        Wool hat

·        Scarf

·        Watch with second hand

·        Blood pressure kit – if trained to use

·        Signal whistle – keep where easily accessible, i.e. attached to shoulder strap of backpack

·        Small flash light – i.e. mini MagLite

·        Large flash light

·        Flood light

·        Lantern with extra fuel

·        Compact camp stove (for use in cold weather)

·        Reflective material/tape

·        50’ minimum rope

·        duct tape

·        Compact water filter

·        Water purification tablets

·        Folding knife with 1-3” blade

·        Multi-tool – i.e. Swiss army Knife, or Leatherman

·        Waterproof matches

·        Clean steel wool, fire starting sticks, magnesium fire starter, etc

·        Candles

·        Fire starting material

·        1 sealed roll of toilet paper

·        Several large garbage bags

·        Poncho/rain suit

·        Personal First Aid Kit

·        Multiple casualty First Aid Kit – should include standard First Aid Kit items for multiple victims, plus razor blades, iodine or other antiseptic (iodine works well to stain skin to mark treatments), extra gloves, scissors, aspirin,

·        Latex gloves or equivalent

·        Extra bandages

·        Gauze

·        Medical tape

·        Sun screen

·        Chap stick

·        Splints – improvised or commercially available, air splints are good commercially available splints for amateur rescuer

·        Insect repellent

·        antiseptic

·        2 way radios with extra batteries

·        AM/FM radio with extra batteries

·        Car charger for cell phones

·        Tarp

·        Emergency space blankets

·        Wool blankets

·        Sleeping bag

·        ABC fire extinguisher

·        Survival food – i.e. military MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), food that needs little or no prep time and long shelf life, should provide a lot of calories

·        Small notebook with pen/pencil

·        Compass

·        Hatchet

·        Ax

·        Cribbing material

·        Pack saw

·        Folding shovel

·        Triage tags/clips

·        Zip ties

·        Clean towels

·        Clean rags

·        Pepper spray – readily accessible

·        Backboard, litter, stretcher, or other commercial patient transfer sheets

·        Hand soap and/or no rinse antiseptic hand cleaner

·        Emergency ladder

·        Safety pins

·        Personal sewing kit

·        Hand tools – pliers, screw drivers, wrenches, etc

49 Commands of Christ with Scripture

The theme of all Scripture is to love God with all of our hearts and to love one another (see Matthew 22:40 and John 13:34). But how do we love God? And how do we know that we are loving our neighbor? Christ’s commands precisely reveal how we should love our neighbor. They are also the secret to loving God: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father…” (John 14:21).

Repent

“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”  (Matthew 4:17).

Follow Me

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”  (Matthew 4:19).

Rejoice

“Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you”  (Matthew 5:11–12).

Let Your Light Shine

“Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you”  (Matthew 5:11–12).

Honor God’s Law

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled”  (Matthew 5:17–18).

Be Reconciled

“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift”  (Matthew 5:23–24).

Do Not Commit Adultery

“… Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell”  (Matthew 5:29–30).

Keep Your Word

“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil”  (Matthew 5:37).

Go the Second Mile

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”  (Matthew 5:38–42).

Love Your Enemies

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you. and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust”  (Matthew 5:44–45).

Be Perfect

“For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”  (Matthew 5:46–48).

Practice Secret Disciplines

“… But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret … When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret … When thou fastest … appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly”  (Matthew 6:1–18).

Lay Up Treasures

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”  (Matthew 6:19–21).

Seek God’s Kingdom

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”  (Matthew 6:33).

Judge Not

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”  (Matthew 7:1–3).

Do Not Cast Pearls

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you”  (Matthew 7:6).

Ask, Seek, and Knock

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened”  (Matthew 7:7–8).

Do Unto Others

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets”  (Matthew 7:12).

Choose the Narrow Way

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it”  (Matthew 7:13–14).

Beware of False Prophets

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”  (Matthew 7:15–16).

Pray For Laborers

“… The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest”  (Matthew 9:37–38).

Be Wise as Serpents

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves”  (Matthew 10:16).

Fear God, Not Man

“Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell”  (Matthew 10:28).

Hear God’s Voice

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear”  (Matthew 11:15).

Take My Yoke

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”  (Matthew 11:28–30).

Honor Your Parents

“For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death”  (Matthew 15:4).

Beware of Leaven

“Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees”  (Matthew 16:6).

Deny Yourself

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it”  (Luke 9:23–24).

Despise Not Little Ones

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven”  (Matthew 18:10).

Go to Offenders

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother”  (Matthew 18:15).

Beware of Covetousness

“… Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth”  (Luke 12:15).

Forgive Offenders

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven”  (Matthew 18:21–22).

Honor Marriage

“… Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder”  (Matthew 19:4–6).

Be a Servant

“But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many”  (Matthew 20:26–28).

Be a House of Prayer

“And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves”  (Matthew 21:13).

Ask in Faith

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24).

Bring in the Poor

“Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just”  (Luke 14:12–14).

Render to Caesar

“Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s”  (Matthew 22:19–21).

Love the Lord

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment”   (Matthew 22:37–38).

Love Your Neighbor

“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”  (Matthew 22:39).

Await My Return

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh”   (Matthew 24:42–44).

Take, Eat, and Drink

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it”   (Matthew 26:26–27).

Be Born Again

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again”   (John 3:7).

Keep My Commandments

“If ye love me, keep my commandments”   (John 14:15).

Watch and Pray

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”   (Matthew 26:41).

Feed My Sheep

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep”   (John 21:15–17).

Baptize My Disciples

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”   (Matthew 28:19).

Receive God’s Power

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high”   (Luke 24:49).

Make Disciples

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen”   (Matthew 28:20).

49 Commands of Christ with Virtues

The theme of all Scripture is to love God with all of our hearts and to love one another. 

Matthew 22:40 and John 13:34

1. Repent—Matthew 4:17—Humility
2. Follow Me—Matthew 4:19—Meekness
3. Rejoice—Matthew 5:12—Joyfulness
4. Let Your Light Shine—Matthew 5:16—Generosity
5. Honor God’s Law—Matthew 5:17–18—Love
6. Be Reconciled—Matthew 5:24–25—Responsibility
7. Do Not Commit Adultery—Matthew 5:29–30—Self-Control
8. Keep Your Word—Matthew 5:37—Truthfulness
9. Go the Second Mile—Matthew 5:38–42—Deference
10. Love Your Enemies—Matthew 5:44—Creativity
11. Be Perfect—Matthew 5:48—Sincerity
12. Practice Secret Disciplines—Matthew 6:1–18—Faith
13. Lay Up Treasures—Matthew 6:19–21—Thriftiness
14. Seek God’s Kingdom—Matthew 6:33—Initiative
15. Judge Not—Matthew 7:1—Discernment
16. Do Not Cast Pearls—Matthew 7:6—Discretion
17. Ask, Seek, and Knock—Matthew 7:7–8—Resourcefulness
18. Do Unto Others—Matthew 7:12—Sensitivity
19. Choose the Narrow Way—Matthew 7:13–14—Decisiveness
20. Beware of False Prophets—Matthew 7:15—Alertness
21. Pray For Laborers—Matthew 9:38—Compassion
22. Be Wise as Serpents—Matthew 10:16—Wisdom
23. Fear God, Not Man—Matthew 10:26—Boldness
24. Hear God’s Voice—Matthew 11:15—Attentiveness
25. Take My Yoke—Matthew 11:29—Obedience
26. Honor Your Parents—Matthew 15:4—Honor/Reverence
27. Beware of Leaven—Matthew 16:6—Virtue
28. Deny Yourself—Luke 9:23—Determination
29. Despise Not Little Ones—Matthew 18:10—Tolerance
30. Go to Offenders—Matthew 18:15—Justice
31. Beware of Covetousness—Luke 12:15—Contentment
32. Forgive Offenders—Matthew 18:21–22—Forgiveness
33. Honor Marriage—Matthew 19:6—Loyalty
34. Be a Servant—Matthew 20:26–28—Availability
35. Be a House of Prayer—Matthew 21:13—Persuasiveness
36. Ask in Faith—Matthew 21:21–22—Patience
37. Bring in the Poor—Luke 14:12–14—Hospitality
38. Render to Caesar—Matthew 22:19–21—Gratefulness
39. Love the Lord—Matthew 22:37–38—Enthusiasm
40. Love Your Neighbor—Matthew 22:39—Gentleness
41. Await My Return—Matthew 24:42–44—Punctuality
42. Take, Eat, and Drink—Matthew 26:26–27—Thoroughness
43. Be Born Again—John 3:7—Security
44. Keep My Commandments—John 14:15—Diligence
45. Watch and Pray—Matthew 26:41—Endurance
46. Feed My Sheep—John 21:15–16—Dependability
47. Baptize My Disciples—Matthew 28:19—Cautiousness
48. Receive God’s Power—Luke 24:49—Orderliness
49. Make Disciples—Matthew 28:20—Flexibility

Just Quoting

Ecclesiastes 10:2: "A wise man's heart directs him toward the right, but a foolish man's heart directs him toward the left."

George Washington:
"It may be laid down as a primary position, and the basis of our system, that every Citizen who enjoys the protection of a Free Government, owes not only a proportion of his property, but even of his personal services to the defense of it."

Thomas Jefferson:
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
"Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath?"
"That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves."

Theodore Roosevelt:
"Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft."
"If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month."
"There can be no fifty-fifty Americanism in this country. There is room here for only 100% Americanism, only for those who are Americans and nothing else."

George Orwell:
"Men sleep peacefully in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

Winston Churchill:
"If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart, and if you're not a conservative at 40, you have no head."

Dwight D. Eisenhower:
"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or timid."

John Wayne:
"Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I'm not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be."

Ronald Reagan:
"We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free."
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."
"The Democrats say that the United States has had its days in the sun, that our nation has passed its zenith. They expect you to tell your children that the American people no longer have the will to cope with their problems, that the future will be one of sacrifice and few opportunities. My fellow citizens, I utterly reject that view."

George W. Bush:
"I hear you, we all hear you, and the people who knocked down these buildings [WTC] will hear ALL of us soon!"
"Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done."
"America will NEVER seek a permission slip to defend itself!"

Without country

“Without country you have neither name, token, voice, nor rights, no admission as brothers into the fellowship of the Peoples. You are the bastards of Humanity. Soldiers without a banner, Israelites among the nations, you will find neither faith nor protection; none will be sureties for you. Do not beguile yourselves with the hope of emancipation from unjust social conditions if you do not first conquer a Country for yourselves.”- Giuseppe Mazzini

Happy Birthday America!

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights,....."

Our Christian Nation 1779

October 20, 1779, the Continental Congress issued the following proclamation to the entire nation:

  "Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought...above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the gospel,whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become the heirs of his eternal glory: therefore, Resolved, That it be recommended to the several states, to appoint Thursday, the 9th of December next, to be a day of public and solemn thanksgiving to Almighty God for his mercies, and of prayer for the continuance of his favor and protection to these United States"


  "A general dissolution of Principles and Manners will more surely overthrow the Liberties of America than the whole Force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader . . . If virtue and knowledge are diffused among the people, they will never be enslaved. This will be their great security." Samuel Adams, 1779


  "You do well to learn our arts and our ways of life, and above all the religion of Jesus Christ."
George Washington's Address to the Delaware Indian Chiefs, May 12, 1779 ,


  "Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest, of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."
John Jay, 6th President of the Continental Congress, in a letter addressed to Pennsylvania House of Representatives member John Murray


More from Samuel Adams, member of the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration:

  "We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in Heaven, and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His Kingdom come."

 " Let…statesmen and patriots unite in their endeavors to renovate the age by…educating their little boys and girls..and leading them in the study and practice of the exalted virtues of the Christian system." letter to his cousin John Adams, Oct. 4, 1790

  "It is therefore recommended to set apart Thursday the 18th day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise, that with one heart and one voice, the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor…" Nov. 1, 1777 first official Thanksgiving Proclamation.

More from Geo. Washington:

"To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of a Christian."

"Let me live according to those holy rules which Thou hast this day prescribed in Thy Holy Word…direct me to the true object, Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life. Bless, O Lord, all the people of this land." Washington's Papers

"The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this (the course of the war) that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more wicked that has not gratitude to acknowledge his obligations; but it will be time enough for me to turn preacher when my present appointment ceases." Letter to Thomas Nelson in Virginia, Jared Sparks

"We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which heaven itself ordained." First Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789.

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a Day Of Public Thanksgiving And Prayer, to be observed By acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God…" "General Thanksgiving" speech Oct. 14, 1789


"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity…let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason, and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle." …"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."..Washington's Farewell Address, Sept. 17, 1796


More from Joh Jay:

"In forming and settling my belief relative to the doctrines of Christianity, I adopted no articles from creeds but such only as, on careful examination, I found to be confirmed in the Bible…At a party in Paris, once, the question fell on religious matters. In the course of it, one of them asked me if I believed in Christ? I answered that I did, and that I thanked God that I did."…a letter to John Bristed, April 23, 1811

" By conveying the Bible to people thus circumstanced, we certainly do them a most interesting kindness. We thereby enable them to learn that man was originally created and placed in a state of happiness, but, becoming disobedient, was subjected to the degradation and evils which he and his posterity have since experienced. The Bible will also inform them that our gracious Creator has provided for us a Redeemer, in whom all nations of the earth shall be blessed; that this Redeemer has made atonement 'for the sins of the whole world' and thereby reconciling the Divine justice with the Divine mercy has opened a way for our redemption and salvation; and that these inestimable benefits are of the free gift of grace of God, not of our deserving nor in our power to deserve." …May 13, 1824 in an address to The American Bible Society

A guide for pulling together a disaster preparedness kit on a tight budget

1) Reminder: You don’t have to put a disaster preparedness kit together all at once so take a deep breath and do it little by little. 

2) Start by asking your self some basic questions: What will I need to stay warm? What will I need to stay cool? What will I need to store water (tip: you can use empty soda bottles after you wash them with soap and hot water for water containers) and food in? What will I need to see in the dark? What will I need to eat, drink and cook with? What will I need to build a make-shift shelter? What will comfort me and give me a sense of relief (i.e. comfort foods, travel sized lotions that smell good or a favorite book)? You have the idea! 

3) Ask yourself this: What do I already have in my home? More than likely, you already have a few items you can add to your disaster preparedness kit and free stuff is a bonus. Think about clothing, sleeping bags, blankets, flash lights or head lamps, a whistle, a back packing stove, duct tape, tools, a can opener, batteries, a whistle, pet supplies, plastic bags, things you need to eat with, personal care items, shoes, gloves, a hard hat and matches (*take care not to burn candles or cook on an unauthorized stove inside your house! Doing so may lead to a fire). You can add anything else you may need…Be Creative! After you have a list of items already in your home you can calculate how much the remaining items will cost you. 

4) Look in your pantry! Do you have extra canned tuna (packed with water) or cans of soup? Both may help hydrate you in a pinch. How about peanut butter? This is good for sustaining your energy. Do you have any protein bars? These are small, inexpensive and good to eat on the run. Nuts are also good at giving you energy. Anything else that travels well and packs up small would be good to add. 

5) Food-wise don’t forget some comfort food. Chocolate, hard candy, gum or mints can be a good mood elevator and they’re cheap to buy. 

6) Work with friends and family. They often have extras of things they don’t use and you can take them or trade for them. 

7) Use the Web! Two great sites to surf for free, trades or cheap goods: www.craigslist.org and www.freecycle.org 

8) How about shopping at thrift stores, surplus warehouses or any dollar store in your area? Often you can find inexpensive essentials like: back packs, bins, things you need to eat and drink with (no glass), toys for kids or clothing. Look around when you are there and ask yourself the basic questions listed on line #1 above. 

9) What about department or large discount stores (tip: look for sale bins sometimes placed in the very front or back of the store). Membership clubs and warehouse stores are also great and they sell items in bulk (tip: go in together with others on bulk items you may need and split them up for cost savings). Ask your doctor, dentist or eye doctor if they have any free samples you can add like bandages, a tooth brush, some paste or floss, contact solution, a contact case or a glasses case. 

10) Are you planning to stay at a hotel in the near future? Take the personal sized soap or small shampoo, the plastic cup, or any other small sized freebie items left by the staff. 

11) Check the community pages, bulletin boards and garage sales in your area for inexpensive items you can add. 

12) Don’t forget about personal documentation and money: have copies of your driver’s license, social security card and birth certificate in your kit. If possible keep a little bit of money (like $5, $10 or $20 in small bills and some quarters (for the phone booth if your phone is out) on hand. *Keep all personal information and money in a secure location at all times. 

13) "Kids are people too". Kids will need toys, coloring books, and treats, which provide them a sense of normalcy and routine in a disaster. Check with your local fire department because they may have some cool story books, coloring books and calendars for free. Not only are they fun, but they also list great disaster preparedness tips. 

14) Manuals that tell you how to survive in the woods are a great reference. Often they will tell you what you can and cannot eat right in your own yard. Now that’s free! 

Written by Carrie Akerstrom with special thanks to Carol Dunn, Seattle Red Cross, Mary Schoenfeldt, Everett Office of Emergency Management, Cindy Van Wambeck, SAMMI volunteer of the year in Sammamish 2007 and to ReadyCorps staff and volunteers. 

April 18th

On this date in American history

1861 - Pro-Confederate volunteers in Baltimore, Maryland, threw rocks at Federal troops from Pennsylvania as they changed trains in Baltimore.

1861 - Colonel Robert E. Lee was offered command of the Federal army. Two days later he resigned from the U.S. Army.

Confederate History and Heritage Month

Office of the Governor

ROBERT BENTLEY 

Governor                                        

STATE OF ALABAMA                                        

 Press Office

March 31, 2011

Confederate History and Heritage Month
By the Governor of the State of Alabama
A Proclamation
WHEREAS, April is the month in which the War Between the States began; and
WHEREAS, April is the month the State of Alabama observes Confederate Memorial Day as a State Holiday, and
WHEREAS, the history of the North-South conflict is a significant part of Alabama history; and
WHEREAS, high among those burdens borne upon the shoulders of any citizenry is the burden of armed conflict; and
WHEREAS, Alabamians have admirably answered the grim call to duty when beckoned, from the era of the musket to that of the missile; and
WHEREAS, the ominous clouds of dissension gave birth in the city of Montgomery to the Confederate States of America; and
WHEREAS, Alabamians again heeded the clarion with dignity, both at home and on the field of battle; and
WHEREAS, upon the conclusion of the war, many of these same leaders and citizens worked tirelessly to reunite and rebuild this country and forge reconciliation; and
WHEREAS, the knowledge of the role of the Confederate States of America in the history of our state and nation is vital to understanding who we are and what we are; and
WHEREAS, we honor our past and from it draw the courage, strength and wisdom to reconcile ourselves and go forward into the future together as Alabamians and Americans:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 2011, as Confederate History and Heritage Month in the State of Alabama.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 31st day of March 2011.
Governor Bob Bentley

The Ranger's Prayer

Oh God, Whose end is justice,

Whose strength is all our stay,

Be near and bless my mission

As I go forth today.

Let Wisdom guide my actions,

Let courage fill my heart

And help me, Lord, in every hour

To do a Ranger's part.

Protect when danger threatens,

Sustain when trails are rough;

Help me to keep my standard high

And smile at each rebuff.

When night comes down upon me,

I pray thee, Lord, be nigh,

Whether on lonely scout, or camped,

Under the Texas sky.

Keep me, O God, in life

And when my days shall end,

Forgive my sins and take me in,

For Jesus' sake Amen.

The Ranger's Prayer

Written by Virginia-born Reverend Dr. Pierre Bernard Hill, Chaplain Texas Rangers. He was the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, and he was appointed Chaplain of the Texas Rangers by Governor Dan Moody. Compatible with the dignity of his post and the affection in which he was held, he was also promoted to Captain in the Texas Rangers. Later, he was the Poet Laureate of Texas (1955-57). Virtually every old time Ranger has it hanging in their home. One of his sons (David) became a Flying Tiger during WWII.